Fish Cooking Times

Fish cooking times, as well as the correct fish cooking temperature, are extremely important considerations when cooking fish. The optimum flavor and tenderness of the fish can be consistently achieved when care is taken to follow the recommended time and temperature guidelines.

Use the following chart as a guide to determine the correct cooking times for fish according to the size of the fish, the weight or thickness, and the method of cooking, such as baking, pan frying, deep frying, grilling, and steaming.

FISH Cooking Times and Temperatures

Baked Fish

Portion

Oven Temperature

Weight or Thickness

Approximate Cooking Time(Total Time)

Whole

350°F

3 - 5 lbs.

25 - 30 minutes

Fillets

350°F

3 - 5 lbs.

25 - 30 minutes

Steaks

350°F

3 - 5 lbs.

35 - 40 minutes

Pan-fried Fish

Portion

Cooking Temperature

Thickness

Approximate Cooking Time(Turn Once)

Whole

Medium Heat

8 - 15 minutes

Fillets

Medium Heat

0.75 inch

7 - 9 minutes

Steaks

Medium Heat

1 inch

9 - 10 minutes

Deep-fried Fish

Portion

Cooking Temperature

Thickness

Approximate Cooking Time(Total Time)

Whole

350°F

3 - 5 minutes

Fillets

350°F

0.75 inch

3 - 5 minutes

Steaks

350°F

1 inch

4 - 6 minutes

Grilled Fish(4 inches from the heat source)

Portion

Cooking Temperature

Thickness

Approximate Cooking Time(Turn Once)

Whole

Medium Heat

10 - 20 minutes

Fillets

Medium Heat

0.75 inch

7 - 9 minutes

Steaks

Medium Heat

1 inch

9 - 10 minutes

Steaming Fish(over gently boiling water)

Portion

Cooking Temperature

Thickness

Approximate Cooking Time(Total Time)

Whole

Gently Boiling Water

10 - 12 minutes

Fillets

Gently Boiling Water

0.75 inch

10 - 12 minutes

Steaks

Gently Boiling Water

1 inch

10 - 15 minutes

Note: The cooking times listed in this guide are estimated times and will vary depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the meat. Fish is done when the meat becomes opaque white and has a flaky texture. Overcooking will result in fish that is less tender, flavorful, and moist than fish cooked with the recommended time and temperature guidelines.